The Barman of the Ritz
Le Barman du Ritz
An Immediate Bestseller
When the Ritz becomes the Nazis’ favorite spot, its Jewish bartender has no choice but to keep working.
Based on a true story.
Paris, 1940. Despite the Occupation, the prestigious Ritz Hotel has managed to remain open. Its bar becomes a favorite spot for Nazis eager for a taste of French refinement. Its celebrated barman, Frank Meier, is forced to adapt to this new clientele. But he is hiding a secret that no one can find out: he is Jewish.
With every word and smile, the atmosphere becomes more and more suffocating. Yet Frank refuses to flee. With the unwitting help of the Nazis, Frank eventually uncovers secrets that help keep him and his loved ones alive—especially Luciano, his young apprentice, and Blanche, wife of the director of the Ritz and Frank’s impossible love—both of whom are Jewish too.
Betrayal, lies, and backstabbing raise the stakes for the bartender—with Frank always just one step ahead of fate.
As chilling as it is fascinating, and carried by its brilliant protagonist, The Barman of the Ritz reveals an untold story, uncovering the complex relationship between collaborators and the Résistance in wartime France.
Reviews
“The Barman of the Ritz brilliantly captures the tense, morally murky atmosphere of Nazi-occupied France. Richly researched and utterly absorbing, this World War II novel pulls readers inside Paris’s legendary Ritz Hotel—where every cocktail, every conversation, and every choice could change a life forever.”—Anne Berest, bestselling author of The Postcard
“A spellbinding novel of extraordinary elegance and moral depth. Philippe Collin reveals how humanity survives in dark times: not through heroics, but in the quiet, daily work of remaining oneself. In a world distorted by power and fear, this novel reminds us that our humanity is not something we possess, but something we practice, moment by moment, relationship by relationship. Philippe Collin is one of the essential moral historians of our time, and this is an unmissable book.”—Chris Cleave, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Quite simply brilliant. Philippe Collin’s Barman of the Ritz is so beautifully written that we imagine ourselves in the real Frank Meier’s position, shaking creative cocktails for the new inhabitants of his beloved Petit Bar at the Ritz: Paris’s Nazi conquerors… A must-read not just for fans of WWII fiction, but for anyone who cares about freedom in today’s complicated world.”—Meg Waite Clayton, internationally bestselling author of The Postmistress of Paris and Typewriter Beach
“Philippe Collin is a magnificent storyteller. This novel fascinates at every turn. ”—Elle
“At its core, this book is a reminder that grand hotels like the Ritz are not simply built from glittering chandeliers and beautiful décor. Their true spirit comes from the people who work there and the enduring power of human connection.”—Bloomburg, The 82 Books That Top Business Leaders Couldn’t Put Down
“A great novel.”—Le Parisien
“A fascinating character…”—Augustin Trapenard, La Grande Librairie
“Mixing together his knowledge of the period with psychological insights (…) Collin has created a heady cocktail.”—L’Express
“Masterful… a sweeping waltz between history and fiction in one of Paris’ chicest palaces.”—Le Journal du Dimanche